5 arrested, 2 NY officers injured after hour-long standoff

What started as a single arrest for a drug-related bench warrant turned into an hour-long crime spree

By PoliceOne Staff

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — An hour-long police standoff in a Binghamton neighborhood ended with five suspects arrested and multiple officers injured.

Police came across a man Friday night on patrol that was wanted on an outstanding bench warrant for marijuana possession, according to WBNG, and was arrested without incident. A second man allegedly dropped marijuana before fleeing police.

When officers caught up to him they recovered a loaded .38 revolver, according to the report.

Three more bystanders grabbed the dropped marijuana and retreated to their nearby apartment. One of three residents punched an officer in the face and threatened the officers.

A second officer was injured when one of the residents repeatedly slammed a door into him.

Police retreated and a standoff began. After an hour the suspects surrendered.

The three residents were identified as Jennifer Gonzales-Soto, Wilfredo Pica-Torres and Jeffery Sanchez-Pica.

Josie E. Valdez, 23, who was arrested without incident, was charged for an outstanding bench warrant.

Joel G. Valdes-Pica, 20, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the 2nd degree and two counts of tampering with evidence, both felonies.